Rechargeable Betteries

By Anne Consroe

Most of us buy them, use them, and toss them in the trash, without a second thought. Disposable alkaline batteries. What are they made of? Is there an alternative to simply buying and disposing batteries?

According to the EPA, Americans buy almost 3 billion dry-cell disposable batteries each year. Many disposable batteries contain a small amount of mercury and other toxic chemicals, which can leach into our environment through landfills.

Rechargeable alkaline batteries are made of the same chemicals and materials as disposable alkaline batteries, but are able to recharge due to their slightly different blend in composition. When correctly charged, they last for years and will ultimately save you money in the long run. Making the switch to rechargeable batteries is a significant step in reducing the buildup of batteries in landfills.

With the “green” movement going strong and gaining popularity each year, the demand for renewable energy sources will continue to rise in our future. We will continue to need more research and innovation for stronger and more durable rechargeable batteries. Only time will tell where this new technology will lead us.

Photo by freefotouk